Bespoke Thermoformed Packaging

ANL Packaging specializes in bespoke thermoformed packaging in line with the customers’ needs. In doing so, ANL Packaging supports the individuality of the customers’ products. We also offer high-quality standard references.

Piramyd®

NEWS

NIR detect colour range

ANL Packaging makes the recycling of dark coloured trays possible: our NIR detect colour range is CITEO approved!. Carbon black as a colouring agent has been under fire for quite some time now. Carbon does not reflect the light emitted by the NIR devices at the sorting plants, making it unrecognizable and unrecyclable as such. So why not just ban black coloured trays? Why look for detectable alternatives? A lot of the clients that we have at ANL Packaging use dark coloured trays. This has various reasons. Some of them use a dark coloured tray because of the contrast it creates between the food and the packaging. This means that if the packaging isn’t in mint condition (angel hairs or chips) and food safety might be at risk, this is immediately detected as contamination is less visible. Black is also a colour with a distinct feel to it, making products look luxurious and ensuring a high-end feel. This is preferable for more expensive items, giving them the positioning on the shelf that they desire. Various reasons and all legitimate from a producer stand of view. So, these clients still need a dark coloured tray but of course, one that is NIR detectable and thus recyclable. We at ANL Plastics accepted this challenge and started looking for a colouring agent solution that fits the description. We’ve received multiple solutions and tested them all. The most challenging part was the hue when the packaging was formed. Using carbon gives a very strong and opaque black hue, the carbon black free agents were all translucent and have a colour shine, some being blueish others being purplish. The first step was consulting our clients for which alternative had their preference. The second step was testing internally whether we could still use our internal waste material. Black plastic is the most inexpensive one because all other colour waste material can be reprocessed into black. That is why plastic producing companies like ANL Packaging don’t mind making black items. It ensures us of the re-use of all material that we have, no matter what colour it was. It ensures us of reprocessing 100% of our post-industrial waste, recycling 100% of all our material used. From our point of view, it was very important to retain this. The final step was declaring our NIR detectable plastic. We’ve engaged in the CITEO protocol for detectable black plastics and passed all tests! This means that ANL Packaging offers carbon black free plastic that is 100% detectable and 100% recyclable. Our clients can still enjoy the benefits of using a dark coloured tray without having concerns on the recyclability of the material. 95% of our packaging is mono-material (R)PET or PP and now we have Citeo approved NIR detectable blacks and browns for every use. ANL Packaging, another step closer to true circularity! To download the certificates here

Recyclable tray for Loc Maria

The Loc Maria Biscuits Group is one of the first on the market to opt for 100% recyclable dark-coloured tray for its Gavottes brand (the famous Crêpes Dentelle!), using mono PET material with a black finish that is detectable with infrared. Dark-coloured trays are used in different markets for various reasons (high-end touch, contrast with food, clear vision of the content ...). Many of our customers prefer dark colours while of course wanting them to be recyclable. ANL Packaging has found a colouring agent solution to this infrared detection problem and has adhered to the CITEO protocol. ANL Packaging, another step towards true circularity!

BRC status A

For several years we obtained the BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard certificate for packaging and packaging materials. By this, we demonstrate that our food safety and quality management system meets the strictest standards. End of January, BRC held its annual audit at the Headquarter of ANL Packaging in Wellen, Belgium. As in previous years, we have achieved status A for Packaging and Packaging Materials. Packaging is a fundamental part of any brand. It defines product integrity, security and drives innovation. Consumers are attracted to strong and recognisable products that need to be consistent in size, colour and shape. Packaging is, therefore, an integral part of the manufacturing process. The Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials is the first packaging standard in the world to be recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GSFI) benchmarking committee. It’s why over 3,500 suppliers in over 80 countries have chosen to be certificated to this scheme and it is recommended or accepted by specifiers worldwide. The Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials can be used by any manufacturer producing packaging materials for all types of products - from food to consumer products - at all levels: primary, secondary and tertiary. ISSUE 5: JULY 2015. Issue 5 of the Global Standard was published in July 2015 after consultation with industry experts. The BRC organization designed the Standard to help you adopt good manufacturing practices and support quality management systems. This will help you develop and manufacture safe, legal packaging materials that meet the quality levels expected by your customers and consumers. Issue 5 of the Standard consists of six sections: SENIOR MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT For any packaging quality management system to be effective, it's essential that management personnel are fully aware of the requirements and are committed to the implementation. HAZARD AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The basis for the programme is an effective hazard and risk analysis based on the principles from the internationally recognised Codex Alimentarius system and encompasses hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). PRODUCT SAFETY AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT Sets out requirements for the technical management of product quality and hygiene practices, building upon the principles of ISO 9000. This includes requirements for product specifications, supplier monitoring, traceability, and the management of incidents and product recalls. SITE STANDARDS Sets out expectations for the production environment including the layout and maintenance of the buildings and equipment, cleaning, pest control and waste management. This includes a specific section on managing foreign body and chemical controls. PRODUCT AND PROCESS CONTROL The requirements at the product design and development stage including quality assurance, process control and product inspection and testing. PERSONNEL The standards needed for staff training, protective clothing and personal hygiene. Why do you choose a BRC certified supplier?. BRC certified companies offer a stronger guarantee in terms of traceability, food safety and quality. Choosing a supplier with a BRC certificate is choosing safety for yourself and your consumers. The corresponding certificates can be downloaded here